General Information:

• Families must be flexible, patient, and able to handle not having a clear timeline.
  
• Each adoption from Jamaica proceeds at its own pace, and so comparisons with other family’s processes are not relevant in this program.
• This is mainly a relative adoption program, although Jamaica does allow non-relatives to adopt.
  
• Mainly preschool and school aged boys are waiting for families. Younger children are adopted domestically.
  
• This is a very challenging program and is not well suited for those who want predictability or constant updates.
  

Considerations:

• Socio-economic conditions are the main reason that children are waiting for families.
  
• It is mainly children aged 4 and up that are available for adoption (mainly boys).
• All children reside in orphanages throughout Jamaica that are overseen by the Child Development Agency (CDA).
  
• Sibling groups and children with various special needs are available.
  
• One trip (approximately 10 days) is required to complete your adoption from Jamaica.
  
• Adoption is finalized in Canada.
  
• Families MUST complete the Immigration Sponsorship/permanent residency requirements as the child will leave Jamaica as a Jamaican citizen (http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/adoption/index.asp)
  

Requirements:

• Both couples and single women are permitted to adopt from Jamaica. Please note that same-sex or common law couples are not eligible.
  
• Couples must be married at the time of application.
  
• Applicants must be free from criminal record.
  
• Applicants must be in sound emotional and physical health.
  
• Must be free of major mental illness (bi-polar, schizophrenia, OCD, ongoing depression, etc.).
  
• At least one member of the couple MUST be a Canadian citizen.
  

Process:

• Complete pre-approval process with CDA (http://www.cda.gov.jm/).
  
• Complete home study, PRIDE (if applicable) and obtain provincial approval.
  
• Assemble Jamaican dossier and submit it to The Children’s Bridge.
  
• Receive referral, travel to Jamaica to receive your child.
  
• Complete post-placements reports at 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after returning to Canada. The 6 month report is a final report (R.O.A.C.H.) and is submitted to court in Canada for finalization of the adoption.
  
• Until the adoption is finalized, The Children’s Bridge is the legal guardian of the adopted child.
  

Timelines:

• Very unpredictable as a general rule.
• Home study completion: average of 3-6 months (varies).
• Provincial approval: average of 10-16 weeks.
  
• Processing of Jamaican dossier in Canada (1-2 months).
  
• Time to referral: unknown/varies.
  
• Time from referral to travel: unknown/varies.
  
• Total time: estimated 24-36 months.